Great West Casualty Company Blog

Jun 11, 2019 9:54:00 AM

Ask the Safety Rep: How Can I Improve Driver Retention?

By Great West Casualty Company

Great question! Unfortunately, there’s not a magic pill to resolve this issue, but motor carriers would be wise to consider retention solutions from the driver’s perspective if they hope to remain competitive and limit the business interruptions caused by driver turnover. Below are the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) critical issues in the trucking industry for 2018; on this list, you can see that drivers and motor carriers do not share the same concerns. This difference in views is important to point out because if a motor carrier wants to attract and retain quality drivers, it needs to create a culture and work environment that addresses driver concerns.

Jun 4, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Preventing Crashes from Outside the Truck

By Great West Casualty Company

There is nothing worse for a motor carrier than receiving a call that one of its drivers has been involved in a crash. Everything stops as you react to the situation and start gathering details about who was at fault and whether the driver could have prevented the incident. While drivers are ultimately responsible for the decisions they make behind the wheel, the root cause of a crash could run deeper. There could be mitigating factors within management’s operational control that are contributing to losses – or worse – have lulled the organization into a false sense of security if a loss has not occurred yet.

May 21, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Ask the HR Professional: How Can I Better Manage a Geographically Dispersed Workforce?

By Great West Casualty Company

Great question! Engaging and managing a geographically dispersed workforce is a challenge most motor carriers struggle with, especially those trucking companies that utilize over-the-road drivers who may not see their home terminals for weeks on end. This is an issue that is expanding beyond drivers, though, as more and more companies are weighing the risks and benefits of utilizing remote employees.

May 14, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Preventing Rear-End Crashes Today

By Great West Casualty Company

Rear-end crashes typically result in severe losses and can be catastrophic for everyone involved. Preventing rear-end crashes requires drivers to recognize the hazards that increase the odds of a crash, know the defense, and to react properly. Read the information below, and ask yourself how you can improve your vigilance and driving style.

May 7, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Is Your Driver Retention Problem Right in Front of You?

By Great West Casualty Company

The trucking industry focuses a great deal of attention on preventing large truck crashes and workplace injuries, but what about preventable turnover? The shortage of drivers entering the occupation and the fact that an aging workforce is leaving are problems motor carriers must contend with. However, these staffing issues are not to be confused with the causes of driver turnover. Turnover occurs when an employee driver or contractor leaves the company voluntarily or is forced to leave. According to HR Drive, “75% of the causes of employee turnover are preventable.”¹ Whatever the reason for the turnover, there’s a good chance it could have been prevented.

Apr 30, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Choosing the Correct Personal Protective Equipment for the Job

By Great West Casualty Company

If a hazard cannot be removed or reduced to a point it can be considered an acceptable risk, personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used to provide an extra barrier of protection to workers. Keep in mind: PPE does not remove a particular hazard, but it can help to reduce the risk of injury or illness. PPE should always be worn in designated areas where PPE is required. Read the information below, and determine how PPE can better protect you from harm.

Apr 23, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Practical Drift: How Human Nature Causes Policy Failure

By Great West Casualty Company

Policies and procedures are necessary for high-hazard industries like trucking. They add structure and consistency to operations to ensure the highest quality product or service is being delivered. Unfortunately, a lack of oversight by senior management can cause the company’s policies and procedures to deteriorate over time and lead to a phenomenon known as practical drift.

Apr 16, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Managing Space Around Your Truck

By Great West Casualty Company

Managing the space around the truck is challenging. From driving in congested traffic to navigating a crowded parking lot, truck drivers must constantly track the hazards around them to prevent a collision. Read the information below and ask yourself how you can improve your driving style in any of the hazard categories.

Apr 9, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

By Great West Casualty Company

Slips, trips, and falls are leading causes of workplace injuries. No matter where you are, hazards may be present that put you at risk of losing traction and slipping, tripping over an object, or falling from an elevated position. Read the information below, and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to protect yourself from a slip, trip, or fall.

Apr 2, 2019 3:00:00 PM

It's Time to Discuss Spring Driving Hazards

By Great West Casualty Company

Winter is nearly in the rearview mirror, which means it is time to start thinking about spring and the unique driving hazards this season brings. The operations staff is crucial to preventing vehicle crashes by being proactive and discussing springtime hazards with drivers and recommending the Essential 7 Driving Techniques as a defense.

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